Safety Information Regarding Anthrax
and Other Items

UNC:  Anthrax Advisory
http://www.unco.edu/safety/ba.html

Recommendations for use of vaccinia (smallpox) vaccine:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr//preview/mmwrhtml/rr5010a1.htm

 MMWR, 2000; 49:1-14, Biological and chemical terrorism: strategic
 plan for preparedness and response:
  http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4904a1.htm

Meningitis Information

 UNC Health Advisory - Meningitis

  On September 27, a UNC student was diagnosed with what is  
 believed to be a case of bacterial meningitis. The Colorado
 Department of Health is investigating and is calling it an isolated
 case. The student, a resident of Harrison Hall, was hospitalized, 
 and was released after a few days.

 The Colorado Department of Health believes the incident poses no
 widespread danger. Officials from the organization, as well as UNC
 Student Health Center personnel, are closely monitoring the
 situation.

 Although meningitis is contagious by exposure to respiratory
 secretions (such as coughing, sneezing or kissing), it cannot live
 outside the body for more than a few minutes. Those who have had
 such potential contacts with the student have been notified and
 treated.

 What to do

  It is important to recognize the characteristic signs and symptoms
 of meningitis. The most common early symptoms of meningitis are
 similar to the flu. They include headache, fever, stiff nick, extreme
 fatigue, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Some people also
 develop a purplish, red rash of small dots on their arms and legs.

 Although it is unlikely that a person will experience all of these
 symptoms, if you have a fever of greater than 101 and other of these
 symptoms, it is recommended that you immediately contact the
 UNC Health Center (Cassidy Hall, 351-2412) or your family
 health-care provider.

 For more information on meningitis and your health call the UNC
 Student Health Center at 351-2412.

 IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING MENINGITIS VACCINE!

Recent studies have revealed that college students, especially freshmen living in dorms, are 6 - 8 times more likely to develop bacterial meningitis than non college persons of the same age. Neisseria meningitis always presents a serious health threat. However, there is a vaccine that can prevent several of the stereotypes of this disease. Therefore, the providers at the UNC Student Health Center highly recommend that college students who will be living in dorms get immunized with the meningitis vaccine. This vaccine is available at the UNC Student Health Center for a fee.